March Buckeye Banner 2023

Winter 2023

BUCKEYE BANNER March 1, 2023

2023 Buckeye Wheelchair Games

WHAT’S INSIDE

W

e’re Back and in person!

Buckeye PVA has been President’s Report.……………………….………...3 working hard to offer the Executive Director’s Message.…..…………...….3 National Director’s Report…..….….....………...4 same events you know and love for our Co-Sports Director’s Message…….………….....5 upcoming Buckeye Wheelchair Games Administrative Assistant’s Message..……….....5 this April! We are excited to announce Government Relations Directors Report....…..6 MS Committee Report…………………..……….....7 that this year we will be back and in VA Life Insurance …………………………...…....10 person hosting at Spire Institute in GeTeam Site Visits……………………...……….…....12 Washington Update……………….………..…14-17 neva, OH on April 20th-22nd! You Advertise in the Buckeye Banner!…...…...…..22 can register by mailing in the registraClothing Allowance Announcement…….........23 tion form or online via our website.

Member Birthdays…...……………………….……25 Registration Deadline is March 18th.

We will not be accepting any registrations passed this date.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office staff at (216) 731-1017. We hope to see you there!

B UCKEYE B ANNER Paralyzed Veterans of America, Buckeye chapter 2775 Bishop Road, Suite B, Willoughby Hills, OH 44092 (216) 731-1017 - (800) 248-2548 Email: Info@buckeyepva.org www.buckeyepva.org BPVA Officers Carl Harris, President Milton Young, Vice President Holly Koester, Secretary Robert Morris, Treasurer

carlh@buckeyepva.org miltony@buckeyepva.org hollyk@buckeyepva.org robertm@buckeyepva.org

Board of Directors Doug Beckley, Board Member Josh Maley, Board Member Paul Mann, Board Member Lucas Meyer, Board Member Scott Law, Board Member

dougb@buckeyepva.org joshuam@buckeyepva.org paulm@buckeyepva.org lucasm@buckeyepva.org scottl@buckeyepva.org

National Director Douglas Beckley

dougb@buckeyepva.org

Government Relations Director Milton Young

miltony@buckeyepva.org

Mission Statement The Paralyzed Veterans of America, Buckeye Chapter strives to improve the quality of life of honorably discharged veterans who have spinal cord injury, dysfunction or illness including but not limited to multiple sclerosis and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) through advocacy, medical research, sports and recreation, education and communication.

We’re on Social Media!

BPVA is trying to increase our followers on Social Media.

Please follow us and spread the word!

Paralyzed Veterans of America, Buckeye Chapter

Membership Director Carl Harris

carlh@buckeyepva.org

Sports Directors Josh Maley Paul Mann

joshuam@buckeyepva.org paulm@buckeyepva.org

Executive Director Jennifer McCarty

jenniferm@buckeyepva.org

Administrative Assistant Maria Bynum

mariab@buckeyepva.org

Senior Benefits Advocates Aaron Stevens, Cleveland Mike Yaskowiak, Cleveland

aarons@pva.org michaely@pva.org.

DISCLAIMER The Buckeye Banner is a publication of the Buckeye Chapter, PVA and is meant to inform its readers of Chapter activities, legislation, and other matters of concern to veterans and/or members of the disability community. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of BPVA, its Officers, Board Members, the Editor or production staff.

@PVABuckeye

Paralyzed Veterans of America— Buckeye Chapter

B UCKEYE B ANNER

P AGE 3

by Carl Harris

President’s Report

H

ello everyone, welcome to 2023.

Eight Ball Tournament, and our Annual Golf Outing. As you can see, there is plenty of work They say the winter that needs done to get all of these events ready is half over, but I can’t wait until it’s all the way this year. You can always volunteer to help at over. Luckily we haven’t had a lot of snow, but we events, as well as sell a few raffle tickets in your have had some pretty temperatures. I hope neighborhood or to your family and friends. You everyone is staying warm and will continue to do can get involved and help your chapter in ways so. It’s hard to believe that we have been in our that you never thought possible. Get involved in building for over a year now, time sure your chapter! does fly.

As always, your concerns, issues, or ideas are how As you will read in this newsletter, the chapter we may make our chapter better are always has been very busy and staff is working hard to welcome. Please either contact us at the chapter get a number of events up and ready to rock ‘n office or email me at carlh@buckeyepva.org roll this summer. Our annual audit and 990 tax reports have been very time consuming. It takes a lot of time getting everything done and where it has to be on time. Luckily our accountant is Sincerely, pleased with all the chapter reports and 990 tax returns. National has been getting all the returns Carl Harris and reports that they require from our chapter.

BPVA President Some other upcoming events that we've started to E: carlh@buckeyepva.org

work on are, the All-You-Can-Eat Fundraiser,

A note from Jennifer McCarty

H

appy New Year, members and supporters.

We are busy planning the 2023 Buckeye Wheelchair Games. These will be the first in-person games since 2019 and I know everyone is as excited as we are. This year, we're adding an exhibition event Disc Golf! So, if you haven't signed up yet, go to www.buckeyepva.org and register on-line. SPIRE Institute in Geneva is hosting the games again, so it's bound to be a great weekend!

Another exciting announcement is that Buckeye PVA was awarded a sizable grant from VetsAid. VetsAid is the brainchild of former Eagles band member, Joe Walsh and is a nonprofit that awards grants to organizations that support veterans. Proceeds from an annual concert are awarded to selected grantees. The sold-out 2002

By Jennifer McCarty Executive Director concert at Nationwide Arena was headlined by Joe Walsh and the James Gang, along with Dave Grohl, Nine Inch Nails. The Black Keys, The Breeders, and the OSU Marching Band. All of us at BPVA give a big thank you to VetsAid for choosing us for a $75,000 grant! It will go far to help propel our mission of improving the lives of our mem Until next time,

Jennifer McCarty

Executive Director E: jenniferm@buckeyepva.org

B UCKEYE B ANNER

National Director’s Message

J

P AGE 4

by Doug Beckley National Director

anuary 11th was a monumental day 1875 Eye Street NW for PVA. The official move from our Suite 1100 National office at 801 18th Street NW Washington, DC 20006 occurred. Attached you will see a picture of 801 18th Street when it was being built These photos are a “window” into the 40 years ago. It is amazing to think of the new world at the National office. things that have been accomplished in our nearly 40 years in that building. PVA has impacted the lives of millions of veterans and people with disabilities through our decades of work in that office.

More importantly, our work will and must continue. We are excited to move into our new office and we will began officially working in our new office after the holiday weekend. Our new National office address is:

B UCKEYE B ANNER

National PVA’s Rugby Camp

H

P AGE 5

by Paul Mann Co-Sports Director

ello BPVA members, this is Paul Mann a board member and co sports director. I recently played with my old team the Buckeye Blitz. In the Rhino Rumble rugby tournament in Akron, Ohio. It was nice playing with a team I hadn’t played with in a few years. And seeing teams and players I hadn’t seam in awhile. The tournament had six teams.

Detroit, Pittsburg, Grand Rapids, Chicago, Akron and us. A small tournament, on a nice campus venue. The Blitz didn’t do well, but a young team learned a lot. And I look forward to watching their progress!

Hotdog Days

I

t has finally returned! Hot Dog Day at the plan to continue the tradition on the first SatCleveland VA is back and with much ex- urday of every month. We are always looking citement! for volunteers, so if you’d be interested please reach out to us!

Hot Dog Days occurs on the first Saturday of every month and gives directors, volunteers, FUNFact: The likely story behind the comand other members an opportunity to help monly used name “hot dog”, comes from earour fellow brothers and sisters who have been ly German American butchers referred to the admitted to the Cleveland VA spinal cord hot dog predecessor as “Dachshund Sauacute and long-term units. sage” for its resemblance to the long skinny canine. Eventually, this name was shortened Hot Dog Night has been a long-standing trato our modern-day convention, “Hot Dog”. dition of the Buckeye chapter, but had to take an indefinite pause in 2019 due to the covid19 pandemic. Although a small gesture, to receive a freshly grilled hot dog with chips and a beverage, along with some encouraging words, can completely change an admittedveterans day. We served over 40 hot dogs with chips and drinks on February 4th, and

B UCKEYE B ANNER

Government Relations Director

H

ello everyone,

P AGE 6

by Milton Young Government Relations Director

veys respect by affirming the fact that people I hope you've been staying warm. At- with disabilities are first and foremost just that, people. The Ohio revised code should reflect tached is a copy of the February our respect for these individuals by removing Washington Update and a copy of the policy priorities for the government relations seminar outdated, insensitive language. This legislation for 2023. It has been a busy month so far, pre- is supported by several statewide organizations. paring for the government relations seminar at To which includes, The Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities, the end of the month. Doug Beckley, Jennifer Ohio Association of The Death, National AlliMcCarty, and I are traveling to Washington ance On Mental Health Illness Ohio, and Ohio D.C. for this years seminar. We're going up to Capitol Hill to discuss our policy priorities with Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities. Governor Mike Dewine signed House all our Congressional leaders from Ohio. We have 15 appointments this year, so it should be Bill 281 into the law on January 5th, 2023. a very interesting time on the hill discussing the issues that impact veterans living with disa- Sincerely, bilities. For more information on 2023 policy Milton Young priorities click here.

Vice President/ Government Relations Director E: miltony@buckeyepva.org Ohio House approve House Bill 281 State Rep. Tom Young (R- Washington TWP) announced the Ohio House of Representatives approved house bill 281, which is bipartisan legislation that provides a comprehensive update of the terminology regarding mental health and disabilities in the Ohio revised code.

The measure, known as the mental health disability terminology act, is a joint sponsor with State Rep. Dontavius Harrell's (D-Columbus) and would change terms such as 'lunatics' to incompetent individuals and would also change 'mentally retarded' to intellectually disabled in Ohio law. This broad-based approach emphasizes the individuality, equality, and dignity of people with disabilities. Rather than defining persons primarily by their disability or mental health challenges, people-first language con-

B UCKEYE B ANNER

MS Committee Report

H

ello, my fellow members,

P AGE 7

by Joshua Maley

specific page and consult with MS Navigators who are experts in helping find veterans MSLast year, National PVA broadened the related benefits and programs. NMSS also hosts enrollment specifications allowing more veterans many events in our state such as the MS Rides, with Multiple Sclerosis diagnoses to join our or- Runs, or Walks. I am hoping, that in the next ganization. In past years, the location of, and year just start having a PVA presence at these characteristics of the lesions resulting from the events in order to reach out to more veterans. disease would dictate a veteran’s eligibility for membership. With the knowledge of the disease I am reaching out to all the members in our growing, it was deemed that a distinction was no chapter with MS to build a personal connection, longer necessary. The MS committee was created and answer any questions you may have. An MS to act as the voice for legislation, a place for first- Committee Newsletter will soon be sent out, if hand information, and a place where members you would like one for yourself, please reach out with MS can give input on how PVA can give to the office and one will be sent out to you. MS more specific help. The committee consists of Awareness Week will be from March 13th Points of Contact (POC) from the different chap- through the 19th, and free information will be ters in PVA, and my job as a POC is to be your posted on all the major social media platforms to direct line to the MS committee. educate those wanting to learn more about Multiple Sclerosis. There are more details than I As of late, we at the chapter have been working have room for in this article, but if you would with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society like more information please feel free to call me (NMSS) at both a national and state level to or the office. learn about the best ways to accomplish our mission. NMSS has many Sincerely, resources geared specifically to helping veterans Josh Maley with MS, such as the NMSS YouTube channel, or MS Committee POC - Buckeye the NMSS website where you can find a veteran-

B UCKEYE B ANNER

P AGE 8

B UCKEYE B ANNER

P AGE 9

BPVA Program for Vehicle Hand Controls

s

ince October 1, 2020, the Buckeye PVA has offered members in good standing of at least 90 days funding for assistance with the cost of hand controls and other adaptive driving controls in their personal automobile.

funding. BPVA member must agree sources have been applied is: up to in writing that BPVA is only a fund- $2,500 for para adaptation; up to ing source and carries no liability $5,000 for quad adaptation. Payor obligation of any kind except for ment will be made directly to the payment to the vendor for the con- vendor. trols. The vendor must be a If a member wants the Chapter to NMEDA certified dealer. pay up to $2,500 to install the conAt the time of application, and pri- trols with self pay handling the Chapter funding may be provided or to BPVA making payment to the rest, that is permissible. However, through application by any full vot- vendor pursuant to invoice, the all funds would have to be paid to ing BPVA member after all other member must provide the followthe dealer before the Chapter funding is exhausted (i.e. VA). ing: would provide funding.

Member will be required to provide 1. Certificate of Insurance This grant is available every 5 a written estimate and proof of any 2. Certification of driving eval- years. and all other funding. uation on a case by case basis Give us a call at (216) 731-1017, For the Chapter to pay for installa- (done by the V.A.) send us an email at tion of driving controls, there must 3. Current driver’s license front info@buckeyepva.org, or head to and back be an understanding between the our website at buckeyepva.org to 4. Invoice from the vendor member and BPVA. The BPVA’s get an application.

Payment limits after all other role is to only provide charitable

Greater Cincinnati including Dayton, Donate Today

G

reater Cincinnati and Dayton, give G.I.V.E. a try and support veterans through a donation.

Through the Paralyzed Veterans of America's G.I.V.E. (Goods Inspiring Veterans Everywhere) clothing donation program, service never goes out of style.

Your generous donations of clothes, small appliances, and gently used household goods help improve the lives of severely injured veterans and strengthens the fabric of our community. Plus, your donations are tax deductible – a receipt will be issued upon pickup/ drop off.

In Ohio, this service is only available in the Greater Cincinnati/Dayton area, but is expanding to different locations. Stay tuned for an area near you!

To donate, call (314) 416-1300 or visit the website for more information: www.pva.org/ ways-to-give/give/give-clothing.

B UCKEYE B ANNER

VA Life Insurance

P AGE 10

B UCKEYE B ANNER

P AGE 11

B UCKEYE B ANNER

P AGE 12

Team Site Visit

E

er you are satisfied or not with your treatach year, the Paralyzed Veterans of ment. If you can’t get a same day apAmerica's (PVA) Medical Services pointment and are sent to Emergency Department sends out a site visit team to room, or are not happy with the wait each Spinal Cord Injury/Disease Center times between or during your visits, we (SCI) across the country. The team con- need to know. We can’t address issues sists of a physician, registered nurse, ar- when we don’t know what they are, or if chitect, local chapter representative, Sen- they are even occurring. We will address ior Benefits Advocate, and a member of your concerns with confidentiality and the FAC Committee. The purpose of these will not be required to provide your convisits are to spread best practices, identify tact information. We would just need to problems, and make recommendations to be provided with the dates of treatment correct these problems. The majority of and the problem you encountered. The our PVA members are satisfied with the PVA Site Team is a PVA Buckeye Chapter care they receive at the Cleveland VA resource that helps to improve the care Medical Center. However, we are interyou are receiving. You can call or ested in knowing about issues with paemail the Buckeye Chapter PVA Office, or tient care that we don’t hear about. We one of the Board of Directors for the are reaching out to our PVA members to Buckeye Chapter to report an issue. The find out if you are having an issue with next site visit will be in the summer of the following: 2023, and we would like to have data to provide the team if there are any systemic • Appointments issues that need to be addressed. With • Acquiring Supplies •

Inpatient Care

•

Outpatient Care

•

Nursing Care

•

Home Health Care

•

Therapy

•

Wait Times

•

Prosthetics or Rehabilitation Equipment

The Buckeye Chapter Board tries to communicate with our members throughout the year. If you are having issues with your care, we want to hear about it wheth-

B UCKEYE B ANNER

P AGE 13

Mileage Reimbursement

W

ho is eligible to participate in the program?

Must be a BPVA Member in good standing for a minimum of 90 days to participate. The Committee has the option to make exceptions for extenuating circumstances.

What is the acceptable time period before the program becomes available for use?

The BPVA member must be hospitalized for a minimum of one week.

What is the acceptable distance for mileage reimbursement?

The mileage reimbursement will be given to visitors for travel to a VA hospital in the State of Ohio for the well-being of members who are hospitalized. Beginning and ending travel must be in the State of Ohio.

How much is the reimbursement?

Reimbursement will be at a rate of .20 per mile. Mileage will be determined via MapQuest based on the submission of the visitor of the beginning and ending address. Chapter will reimburse up to 2 trips per month with a $2,000 cap per year.

Reimbursement request containing the name of the member, name and address of the visitor, the date of visitation and the origin of the trip must be submitted by the 20th of the following month, with payment at the end of month. Request for reimbursement will only be valid for one calendar month following travel.

How will reimbursement be paid?

Reimbursements will be via check.

What locations are included in the program?

Reimbursement will be for Ohio VA hospitals only.

B UCKEYE B ANNER

Washington Update

P AGE 14

by Paralyzed Veterans of America Government Relations Dept.

Washington Update

9. Often seen as the start of the process to fund the government, the President’s annual proposal is to be submitted by the first Monday in February. However, this deadline has rarely been adhered to in recent years.

Check out the PVAction Force page to view our latest alerts and a list of key legislation and its status.

President’s State of the Union Remarks

In his recent State of the Union address, the President urged Congress to do more to fulfill the naIndependent Budget Veterans Agenda tion’s sacred obligation to service members who are sent into harm’s way and take better care of Released for 118th Congress them and their families when they come home.

Although he did not offer any specific proposals, PVA, DAV, and VFW—the Independent Budget he expressed support for job training and job (IB) veterans service organizations—released the placement for veterans and their spouses when veterans agenda for the 118th Congress on Febru- they return to civilian life, and greater efforts to ary 13. The veterans agenda includes VA budget prevent veteran homelessness and suicide. recommendations for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 advance appropriations. The IB recommends apThe President was particularly pointed on one proximately $139.9 billion in total medical care subject, protecting Social Security and Medicare. funding for fiscal year 2024 and roughly $157.2 Recently, some members of Congress suggested billion for fiscal year 2025 advance appropriacuts to both programs may be necessary to help tions. reduce the federal deficit. The President noted these programs are a lifeline for millions of senThe veterans agenda also includes five critical is- iors and that he would not be supporting reducsues spanning health care, benefits, and econom- tions in either program. The President also ofic opportunity. The health care critical issues are fered his full support for increased access to ensuring VA remains the primary provider of home care services for people with disabilities, care and increasing and expanding extended care including the workforce needed to serve them. services and supports. The benefits critical issues The full text of his remarks can be found here. are monitoring implementation of the PACT Act and reforming survivor benefits. The employment and education critical issue is ensuring the Hotel Owner Requests Supreme Court Review in ADA Tester Case long-term success of the military-to-civilian transition.

Acheson Hotels, LLC, filed a request for review to the U.S. Supreme Court in the case Acheson HoThe IB was released at a congressional briefing tels, LLC v. Laufer. Deborah Laufer, a mobility that included congressional staff, veterans service assistive device user, is a self-deemed ADA organizations, and other stakeholders. The full “tester,” meaning she regularly visits hotel websites checking whether they have accessibility inreport is available here. formation. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) reservation rule, hotels must identify The Administration intends to release its fiscal and describe the accessibility features of the hotel year 2024 budget proposal to Congress on March and guest rooms in enough detail for a guest to

B UCKEYE B ANNER

Washington Update Cont.

P AGE 15

by Paralyzed Veterans of America

Government Relations Dept. decide if the hotel will meet their needs. When and Medicaid Services’ oversight efforts to aid Laufer went on the website for one of the Achedirect care workers and care recipients. Approxison Hotels, the website had no information remately 18 percent of home care workers live in garding accessibility. Laufer sued Acheson Hotels poverty, many receive few or no benefits, and earn a median wage of $13 an hour. Such circumfor violating the ADA. stances have caused many home care workers to leave the field, creating a severe shortage of this Courts have reached different conclusions on valuable labor force. Supporters of the measure whether an ADA tester of hotel websites can sue. hope that improved working conditions for direct To bring a lawsuit, a plaintiff must have care workers will help to address that labor short“standing.” To prove they have standing the age and alleviate some of the burden on family plaintiff must show there was an injury, meaning caregivers. A description of the legislation can be the person was harmed in some way; a connecfound here. tion between the injury and the defendant’s action, or lack of action; and that a court decision can remedy the injury. Several courts have held Social Security Enhancement and Prothat a tester, who cannot prove they intend to tection Act Introduced stay at the hotel, does not have standing, because there was no injury or harm.

On January 31, Representative Gwen Moore (DWI) introduced her Social Security Enhancement The Maine district court found Laufer did not and Protection Act (H.R. 671). PVA has endorsed have standing because she did not plan on visit- this legislation which would reinstate benefits for ing the hotel in the near future. The court disstudents up to age 26 who are children of retired, missed the case. On appeal, the U.S. Court of Ap- deceased, or disabled workers, increase benefits peals for the First Circuit found Laufer did suffer for long-time beneficiaries once they reach 20 harm from the lack of accessibility information. years after retirement, increase the special miniThe First Circuit Court decided Laufer’s injury mum benefit, and eliminate the cap on Social Sewas her feelings of frustration, humiliation, and curity payroll contributions to generate additionbeing treated as a second-class citizen. Acheson al revenue for the Social Security system while at Hotels has filed a request to the U.S. Supreme the same time enhancing benefits for those most Court to review the case. The hotel requests the in need. An analysis of Rep. Moore’s bill by Social Supreme Court decide whether an ADA tester has Security actuaries estimates that its provisions standing to sue a hotel for failing to provide acwould extend the life of the Social Security trust cessibility information on their website, even if funds by 24 years to 2059. the plaintiff has no intention of visiting the hotel in the near future. The request is still pending.

House Bills on VA’s EHRM Project Better Care Better Jobs Act Introduced

House Republicans recently introduced a pair of bills addressing VA’s problematic Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) project.

On January 26, Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and The first bill, introduced by House Veterans’ AfRepresentative Debbie Dingell (D-MI) introduced fairs Committee (HVAC) Chairman Mike Bost (Rthe Better Care Better Jobs Act (S. 100/H.R. 547) IL), would bar VA from rolling out the new systo enhance Medicaid funding for home care and tem at additional VA Medical Centers until it strengthen the caregiving workforce through bet- demonstrates “significant improvement” and it ter payment rates and training opportunities. The requires the VA Secretary to certify the systems legislation also supports the Centers for Medicare

B UCKEYE B ANNER

Washington Update Cont.

P AGE 16

by Paralyzed Veterans of America Government Relations Dept.

functionality prior to doing so. It also directs the AZ); Maggie Hassan (D-NH); Angus King (Isenior leadership at prospective facilities to cer- ME); John Boozman (R-AR); Bill Cassidy (Rtify they are prepared to launch the new proLA); Mike Rounds (R-SD); Thom Tillis (R-NC); gram at their site and that it won’t have Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Marsha Blackburn (R“significant, sustained adverse effects” on paTN); Kevin Cramer (R-ND); and Tommy Tubertient safety, care quality, or wait times. The sec- ville (R-AL). ond bill, from Representative Matt Rosendale (R -MT), Chairman of the HVAC’s Subcommittee on Technology Modernization, provides a path- More Committee Leadership Lineups for the 118th Congress way to scrap the EHRM project altogether if its performance does not improve.

Several committees that oversee legislation imIn October 2022, VA announced it was delaying portant to people with disabilities acquired new leadership with the seating of the 118th Conupcoming EHR implementations of its Oracle gress.

Cerner system until June 2023 to address system challenges. Lawmakers on both sides of the Hill have made it clear they do not want the project to move forward until it can do so safely and The House Education and Workforce Commiteffectively. We expect Congress to hold hearings tee (previously Education and Labor) saw Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) switch roles on its status in the near future. with Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA). She News of Note will now lead this Committee which has jurisdicCaregivers Will Receive an Increase in tion over numerous workforce and education programs. Rep. Scott becomes Ranking MemTheir Caregiver Stipend Payment ber. The Senate Health Education and Labor (HELP) Committee is headed by Senator Bernie On February 3, the VA Caregiver Program office Sanders (I-VT) and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) announced that caregivers enrolled in the Prowho replaces retired Senator Richard Burr (Rgram of Comprehensive Assistance for Family NC) as Ranking Member.

Caregivers will receive a 4.1 percent increase in their end of February stipend payment. This is the same increase federal employees received on The House Judiciary Committee will now be headed by Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH) January 1. with Representative Jerry Nadler (D-NY) serving as Ranking Member. On the Senate side, Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee for Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) chairs the Judiciary Committee with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) the 118th Congress Announced taking the role of Ranking Member.

The members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee for the 118th Congress were recently announced and they include returning Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT) and Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R-KS). Other Senators serving on the Committee are Patty Murray (D-WA); Bernie Sanders (I-VT); Sherrod Brown (D-OH); Richard Blumenthal (D-CT); Mazie Hirono (DHI); Joe Manchin (D-WV); Krysten Sinema (I-

The House Transportation Committee, which oversees most of the nation’s travel systems from roads, to rails, to airlines, saw a similar role switch with Representative Sam Graves (RMO) rising to chair the Committee and Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA) becoming Ranking Member. The Senate counterpart, the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

B UCKEYE B ANNER

Washington Update Cont. will be chaired by Senator Maria Cantwell (DWA) with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) serving as Ranking Member.

P AGE 17

by Paralyzed Veterans of America Government Relations Dept.

Welcome Home Vietnam War Commemoration

The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act The Ways and Means Committee, which has ju- (Public Law 110-181) directed the Department of risdiction over tax matters as well as Social Secu- Defense to spearhead the nation’s commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. rity, received a new chair with the elevation of Representative Jason Smith (R-MO) to that po- In May, Vietnam veterans, their families and sition. Chairman Smith, who is new to Ways and many others will be gathering in Washington D.C. to observe this important milestone with Means and moving over from House Budget, beat out two other candidates for the role. Chair- formal events and many other activities. Visit vietnamwar50th.com for details. man Smith recently announced subcommittee chairs, picking Representative Drew Ferguson (R -GA) to head the Social Security Subcommittee, Veterans Health Library which has jurisdiction over Social Security retirement, survivor, and disability programs. RepAs a reminder, the Veterans Health Library has resentative Richard Neal (D-MA) and Representative John Larson (D-CT) retain seats on the over 1,600 health sheets and 175 videos in both English and Spanish. It gives veterans access to Committee as Ranking Members for the full committee and the Social Security Subcommittee health information to help them make informed decisions on their care. The medical content in respectively. On the Senate side, the Finance Committee, which handles tax and Social Securi- the library aligns with the latest Department of ty matters, saw Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) re- Defense and VA clinical guidelines, and is regutain his chairmanship while Senator Mike Crapo larly updated to include information on VA programs and resources that align with different (R-ID) remained as Ranking Member. health topics.

Free Class on Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits Veterans are invited to sign up for VA’s free, virtual class Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits: What You Need to Know. It is being held on February 23 from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET, and you can participate online through your personal computer, smart phone, or tablet. To learn more about the class and to register, click here.

Hearings and Committee Action Upcoming Veterans’ Affairs Committee Action PVA’s National President Charles Brown will testify before a joint session of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees on March 1.

The hearing will start at 10:00 am ET and President Brown will testify on the second panel.

Please visit the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee webpages for information on other upcoming hearings and markups.

B UCKEYE B ANNER

Project DREW

I

P AGE 18

by Robert P. Morris

n February, I had the opportunity to participate and take notes. The process typically starts around in Project D.R.E.W., a private 2-day workshop 10 AM and can last a couple of hours or for the enthat pairs veterans with songwriters to produce tire workshop which may end around 2 or 3 PM. in 24 hours a work that tells the veteran's story in There is also a break around 12 PM for a light song. Project DREW is sponsored by Music on a lunch. At the conclusion of the first workshop, the Mission, a nonprofit located in Avon Lake, Ohio. songwriter has 24 hours to develop the lyrics and Project DREW is named in honor of the late melody for the song. The song is performed live on Captain Drew Ferguson, a decorated special forces the 2nd day of the workshop. officer whose passion was music, poetry, and conOn the first day of my workshop, I was necting with people. The acronym DREW stands for paired with Scott Franklin, a talented multi"Delivering Restorative Energy to our Warriors". It instrumentalist and songwriter. Scott and I develis the culmination of a vision developed by Marilyn oped a good rapport in a short time. We talked for a Zeidner, the Executive Director of Music on a Mis- couple of hours. As I shared my story with him, he sion. The project's aim is to provide a path for vet- made a few comments but mostly listened and took erans to tell their stories and to celebrate and honor several pages of notes. At the end of our workshop, their service through music. As of February 2023, we exchanged phone numbers and went our sepaProject DREW marked its 22nd workshop. It is in rate ways. Later, he sent me a sample of the song's its 5th year of operation. first lyrics.

My experience with Project DREW began On the 2nd day of the workshop, it was show with an email from Nicole Fear, a recreational ther- time! The veterans, their guests, former Project apist at the Wade Park VA in Cleveland, OH. The DREW participants, Project DREW staff, and the email invited interested veterans to sign Up for one songwriters gathered for the grand finale. The 2nd of the 6 workshops available for 2023. The workday of the workshop is much shorter than the first shops happen once a month on designated weekworkshop. My 2nd day began at 2 PM and was over ends from February through May and again in Sep- by 3 PM. During that time, 5 artists performed the tember and October. Nicole's email directed inter- songs they had written. Each songwriter explained ested veterans to contact Marilyn Zeidner, the pro- a little about their veteran's story and how they degram director. veloped their song before performing it.

I decided on a weekend and contacted MariAfter the last performance, Mike Winnen, lyn by email. She wanted to know more about me Drew Ferguson's cousin took the stage and talked and my story. We exchanged a couple of emails and about Drew's life and legacy. Then all the musicians before I knew it, it was February. and songwriters gathered on stage to sing a song The Project DREW workshops take place in a con- that Drew composed called "I Know a Place". The verted barn at Marilyn's residence in Avon Lake, audience was invited to sing along and most of us OH. "Barnegie Hall" is a fully equipped but quaint did. concert venue. It has an elevated stage, a master I found Project DREW to be a deeply percontrol table, and a multipurpose seating area. The sonal and rewarding experience. It allows veterans seating area serves as a meeting room, dining area, to express their military or life experience in an and concert hall. The area has an assorted mix of honest, disarming, powerful way. It left me with a chairs which helps give it a relaxed, homey ambifeeling of camaraderie with the other veterans who ance. heard my song and whose songs I heard.

On the first day of the workshop, veterans The link to Project DREW is: are paired with songwriters. The veteran shares his https://www.projectdrew.org/ or her story while the songwriters listen intently

B UCKEYE B ANNER

P AGE 19

B UCKEYE B ANNER

P AGE 20

Emergency Assistance Program

P

aralyzed Veterans of America, Buckeye Chapter has available an Emergency Assistance Program.

This program helps members of the Buckeye Chapter who may find themselves in financial distress causing possible eviction from their homes, disconnection of utilities or the inability to pay for food.

yearly or up to a maximum of $500 per year.

This is a confidential process. Payments must be made directly to the vendor. Please contact the Chapter office for more details. (800) 248-2548 or (216) 731-1017.

Members must be in good standing for a minimum of 90 days prior to qualifying for consideration. Application for help is limited to twice

VA Emergency Care

I

n most instances, Veterans are cess, VA established a national For more information please visit: eligible to receive VA authoremergency care contact center. https://www.va.gov/vaforms/ ized emergency care at an inThis center allows community pro- medical/pdf/10-10143g_Nonwork facility if the VA is notified of viders to report instances of a Vet- VA_Hospital_Emergency_No the emergency event within 72 hrs. eran presenting to a community tification_Fill.pdf Veterans do not need to check with emergency department and offers the VA before going to an emergen- simplified access to VA for care coFor information about care coordicy department in the community or ordination, eligibility determinanation, documentation submission, calling an ambulance and, during tion, and payment authorization eligibility, claims and payments an emergency, veterans are eninformation. visit: https://www.va.gov/ couraged to seek medical attention The person notifying the VA should COMMUNITYCARE/ without delay. be prepared to supply case-specific providers/ To simplify and streamline this information, as seen below. info_EmergencyCare.asp emergency care notification pro-

Please cut around the dotted line to keep this important information with you at all times.

B UCKEYE B ANNER

Paralyzed Veterans of America Vehicle Donation Program

P AGE 21

B UCKEYE B ANNER

P AGE 22

Advertise with Buckeye PVA!

L

ooking to get your information out to the Paralyzed Veteran Community? Look no further than advertising with Buckeye PVA in the Buckeye Banner! The Buckeye Banner is published quarterly and is filled with event updates, special offers for our Paralyzed Veterans, and even ads for companies and products built to improve the lives of our members! If you would like to advertise in the Buckeye Banner, ads must be purchased by September 30, 2022! Artwork for ads must be submitted to the Buckeye Banner Editor, Maddi Snyder, 1 month prior to publish date of each newsletter. If you do not have artwork for your ad, artwork can be created by Editor for an additional charge.

Advertising Rates for the Buckeye Banner: 1 Full Page Color for 1 fiscal year* (4 issues)……………………………………………………………………..$3,500 1 Full Page B/W for 1 fiscal year* (4 issues)…………….………………………………………………………..$3,000 1 Half Page Color for 1 fiscal year* (4 issues)……………………………………………………………………..$2,000 1 Half Page B/W for 1 fiscal year* (4 issues)………………………………………….…………………………..$1,500 1 Quarter Page Color for 1 fiscal year* (4 issues)………………………..…………………….………………..$1,000 1 Quarter Page B/W for 1 fiscal year* (4 issues)…………………………………………………………………….$750 *** 1 Full page Color for 1 quarterly issue**…………………..………………………………………………………..$1,000 1 Full page B/W for 1 quarterly issue**………………...……………………………………………………………...$850 1 Half page Color for 1 quarterly issue**………………...…………………………………………………………….$600 1 Half page B/W for 1 quarterly issue**…………..….………………………………………………………………...$475 1 Quarter page Color for 1 quarterly issue**………..………………………………………………………………..$400 1 Quarter page B/W for 1 quarterly issue**…………...……………………………………………………………...$300

*Ads purchased for an entire fiscal year are up for renewal on September 30th. Ads can be updated throughout the year and issues are released the first week of December, March, June and November **Ads purchased for 1 quarterly issue must be submitted 30 days prior to release dates

Please contact Maria at mariab@buckeyepva.org or by telephone at (216) 731-1017 to advertise with Buckeye PVA today!

B UCKEYE B ANNER

Clothing Allowance Announcement

P AGE 23

B UCKEYE B ANNER

P AGE 24

B UCKEYE B ANNER

P AGE 25

Member Birthdays

March James Dunbar

Stephen Landfried

Michael Stutler

Jazmine Elanee

Jeffrey Fisher

Peter Murphy

Harold Wheeler

David Moore

Michael Murphy

Gregory Baugh

Scott Currie

Jay Hefferon

Michael Menhart

Michael Winstead

Bernard Smith

Karen Bond

William Menefield Edward Marshall Bernard Pugh Robert Brown Michael Shaw Jerome Casey Ralph Wischer Christophe Powers Frank Helenberger John Brooks Jerome Lee Michael Zatchok Patrick Griffis Karla McKinney

David Conner James Trzop Randal Walker Dwayne Ezell David North Terry Dear Robert Dilallo Adam Maynard

April

May

Robb Goe

Armone Moore

Ronald Kohus

Jacob Bernecker

Christopher Wynn

Kim Caswell

Marc Boyes

Marie Ann Bohusch

Chauncey Downs

John Schmoll

James Hard

Roger Linder

John Suru

Michael Wood

Darrel McCauley

Scott Law

David Lowe

Michael Weinman

John Wright

David Soeder

Cory Anderson

Andrew Adams

Douglas Mcpherson

Marvin Dryer

Samuel Zachariah

Thurman Trowbridge

Mark Brozak

Diego Lugo

Curtis Fatyol

Clifford Medred

George Pasipanki

Jared McClung

George Iwaniok

Timothy Herubin

Dennis Goens

David Hudson

Charles Schretzman

Joshua Davis

Jerome Perry

Leo Kelly

Geary Burke

Richard Bell

Kevin Sullivan

Curtis Pender

Mark Dunford

Annette` Harris

Thomas Durin

James

Jacqueline Tyler

Kranak

Jason Broz

Nathan Collins

Christina McKellop

Stephen Hammarlund

Bernard Wegford Joseph Gibson Herbert McKinley Brent Persinger Sherman Hartley Richard Tuttle Richard Sesso Brandon Starkey Adam Harmon Robert Hyatt

Fred Layfield

Phillip Osborn David Jacobsen Dean Byers Angela McBride Teresa Cahill Larry Engle John Rothermel Michael Dexter

Mark Hasson Murl Muenchau Paul Singer La Vonn Scott David Shellabarger Molly Higham Donald Wallace

B UCKEYE B ANNER

P AGE 26

Caregiver Program Expansion

T

he U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is now open to all eras of military service. As of October 1, 2022, this program is now open to family caregivers of eligible Veterans of all eras.

This includes eligible Veterans who served after May 7, 1975, and before September 11, 2001.

However, there is more to eligibility. The veteran (or servicemember undergoing a medical discharge) must have a serious injury or illness incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service. The individual must be at least 70 percent serviceconnected to qualify.

The individual must be in need of in-person personal care services for a minimum of six (6) continuous months based on any one of the following: • An inability to perform an activity of daily living; • A need for supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury; or • A need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which the ability of the veteran to function in daily life would be seriously impaired.

The program offers two stipend levels paid to the Primary Caregiver. The Caregiver must meet some minimum eligibility requirements by the VA to be assigned as the Caregiver. The Caregiver must be at least 18 years of age, live with the veteran, and complete required VA training. The Primary Caregiver is eligible for beneficiary travel when traveling to veteran appointments as well as health benefits under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs VA (CHAMPVA).

Application for the program is done by completing a VA Form 10-10CG. This form can be brought to your local Caregiver Support Program (CSP) Team; or mailed to: Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Health Eligibility Center 2957 Clairmont Road NE, Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30329-1647 You can also apply online using this link: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/ support_benefits.asp For any questions or assistance, please reach out to your National Service Officer.

B UCKEYE B ANNER

P AGE 27

PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA BUCKEYE CHAPTER 2775 Bishop Road — Suite B Willoughby Hills, OH 44092

Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Cleveland, OH Permit 4318

Help Us Serve America’s Veterans

Health Care, Benefits, Advocacy, Sports, Recreation, Education are just a few of the programs your taxdeductible contributions help support.

For more information, call (800) 248-2548